

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
Robyn Gobbel
Formerly the Parenting after Trauma podcast, internationally recognized children's mental health expert Robyn Gobbel decodes the most baffling behaviors for parents of kids with vulnerable nervous systems. If you're parenting a child who has experienced trauma or toxic stress or a child with a neuroimmune disorder, sensory processing, or other nervous system vulnerability, this show will let you know you are not alone. You can stop playing behavior whack-a-mole because Robyn offers you tools that actually work. You can become your child's expert, feel more confident as a parent, and bring more connection and clarity into your family.Educators, therapists, coaches and consultants- you too can learn all about what behavior really is and become more effective at helping the families you support. You can love your work again!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep. 131: Knot Parenting with Carrie Contey
A deep and touching conversation with Carrie Contey, PhD. about the profound human work of being in relationship with another developing human and remembering their essence in the midst of challenging behaviors and chaos.In this episode, you’ll learn:What does Carrie Contey mean by Knot ParentingWhat it is to be human and care for humans as they growA bigger container for holding the work of parentingResources mentioned in this podcast:Website: https://www.carriecontey.com/Podcast: https://www.carriecontey.com/podcastEmail: hello@carriecontey.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/carrieconteyphdInstagram: @carrieconteyphd https://www.instagram.com/carrieconteyphd/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carrieconteyphdFreebies: https://www.carriecontey.com/resourcesRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/knotparentingTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Apr 28, 2023 • 41min
Ep. 130: More About Blocked Care- Friday Q&A
Can you please talk more about blocked care?This Friday Q&A is a follow up to Episode 123- Healing Blocked Care. If connection is a biological imperative, how can I be experiencing blocked care?How does blocked care fit into the owl, watchdog, and possum approach to the nervous system?What are some more tips for parents experiencing blocked care?This is a Friday Q&A episode, where I answer a listener’s question.Mentioned Resources: Healing Blocked Care episode: https://robyngobbel.com/blockedcare/Reclaim Compassion by Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Compassion-Adoptive-Overcoming-Neuroscience/dp/B0BW344WQ8Brain Based Parenting by Dan Hughes: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Based-Parenting-Neuroscience-Interpersonal-Neurobiology/dp/0393707288Start Here private podcast: RobynGobbel.com/StartHereRead the transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/BlockedCare2Teaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Apr 25, 2023 • 38min
Ep. 129: Grief in Parenting
Robyn explores the grief in parenting kids with vulnerable nervous systems In this episode, you’ll learn:The relationship between trauma and griefWhy it's important to make space for grief in our kids and in ourselvesThe role of self-compassionHow a lack of media representation of your parenting journey causes griefResources mentioned in this podcast:Robyn's book: https://robyngobbel.com/bafflingbookRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/griefTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Apr 21, 2023 • 20min
Ep. 128: My Child Hates Having their Feelings Validated- Friday Q&A
Why does my child hate having their feelings validated?In this episode, I talk about the top 5 reasons I see about why kids don’t like their feelings validated:It feels too vulnerableIt feels intrusiveYou’re getting it wrongYou’re on the watchdog or possum pathwayThey are too far down the watchdog & possum pathwayThis is a Friday Q&A episode, where I answer a listener’s question.Additional Resources:Regulated Does Not Mean Calm https://robyngobbel.com/lisadionToxic Shame Series https://robyngobbel.com/toxicshameHas Trauma Informed Become another Behavior Modification Technique? https://robyngobbel.com/traumainformed/Read the transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/ValidatedFeelingsTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Apr 18, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep. 127: Surviving the Mother Load of Parenting with Meredith Ethington
A conversation with Meredith Ethington, author of The Mother Load: Surviving the Daily Grind without Losing Your Ever Loving Mind about mental health and the mental load of parenting.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why authentic storytelling about parenting is so importantWhy being honest about mental health struggles in parenting mattersHow to hold space for our children's vulnerability and our ownHow the mental load impacts parentsResources mentioned in this podcast:Meredith's blog: Perfection PendingMeredith's new book: The Mother LoadRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/motherloadTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Apr 14, 2023 • 22min
Ep. 126: What Does this Look Like with Teens- Friday Q&A
What does this way of parenting look like with teens?In this episode, I:Reassure you that teens want to be parented with playfulness and connection, tooExplore what’s hard about realizing we don’t have control over anyone’s behavior- including our teensRemind you that the behavior you want to see from your teen are all owl brain skills, so keep using regulation, connection, and felt safety to grow their owl brainThis is a Friday Q&A episode, where I answer a listener’s question.Additional Resources:Parenting in the Eye of the Storm by Katie NaftzgerBrainstorm by Dan SiegelHow to Talk to Your Teen About Anything by Katie MalinskiPodcast episode with Katie Malinski: https://robyngobbel.com/talktoyourteen/Read the transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/ParentingTeensTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

6 snips
Apr 11, 2023 • 21min
Ep. 125: When you Feel Like a Parenting Failure
Parents often feel like failures, especially when trying to break the cycles of trauma. The podcast explores the emotional challenges caregivers face and the weight of unresolved issues. It emphasizes the significance of empathy and connection in understanding troubled behaviors. Community support plays a crucial role in healing and navigating these struggles. Insightful personal experiences enrich the discussion, making it relatable for those striving to be better parents.

11 snips
Apr 7, 2023 • 22min
Ep. 124: Should My Child be in Individual or Family Therapy? Friday Q&A
The podcast explores the tough choice between individual and family therapy for children with attachment trauma. It emphasizes that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer and considers the nuances of each therapy type. Listeners gain insights into when individual therapy might be beneficial versus when family sessions could be more suitable. Additionally, the discussion highlights various resources and programs available to support families dealing with challenging behaviors, fostering connection and ongoing learning.

Apr 4, 2023 • 1h 3min
Ep. 123: Healing from Blocked Care with Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum
A conversation with Melissa Corkum and Lisa Qualls, authors of Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith about blocked care- what it is, what causes it, and how families can begin to recover. In this episode, you’ll learn:What is blocked careWhat are the symptomsHow can you overcome blocked careResources mentioned in this podcast:Blocked Care Assessment: theadoptionconnection.com/parentingaftertraumaWebsite: Reclaimcompassion.comBook: Reclaim CompassionRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/blockedcareTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources Applications for the 2026 cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program are now open! You MUST be on the waiting list to apply! Get on the waiting list at RobynGobbel.com/immersion :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

Mar 28, 2023 • 30min
Ep. 122: What does "Vulnerable Nervous System" mean?
What is a vulnerable nervous system and how do you know if your child has one? Understanding what is meant by "vulnerable nervous system" can help you support your child with big, baffling behaviors.In this episode, you’ll learn:What do I mean by vulnerable nervous systemHow to know if your child has a vulnerable nervous systemWhat causes nervous system vulnerabilityHow to support a child who has a vulnerable nervous systemResources mentioned in this podcast:Robyn's Book: https://robyngobbel.com/book/Attachment Series ebook: Robyngobbel.com/ebookThe Club: RobynGobbel.com/TheClubRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/vulnerableTeaching kids about their owl, watchdog, and possum brain is one key piece of growing their owl brain and calming their watchdog and possum brain!Register for this once-a-year webinar on September 4, 2025 at RobynGobbel.com/TeachKidsTheBrainYou'll get access to the recording and OODLES of resources.Club Members- you do NOT have to register!!!*** Check Out All Robyn's Free Resources!You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources :::Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubApply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)